PHNOM PENH:- Home-brewed toxic rice wine is believed to have killed 10 people and hospitalised 50 others from a Cambodian village in recent weeks, officials said Thursday. Residents started falling ill after drinking the traditional sprit at a series of funerals in a village in central Kampong Chhnang province, according to the director of the local hospital. “From (late) November until now, 10 people have died and around 50 have come here to get treatment,” said Sorin Ravuthy. The ceremonial drink is a staple at Cambodian festivals, funerals and weddings. But it can be deadly if brewed improperly with methanol.– AFP

The province’s deputy police chief Ly Virak said authorities believed tainted wine was responsible for the recent wave of deaths.